Merck Foundation Partners with Gabon to Transform Healthcare and Education
The Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany, has officially launched its comprehensive programs in partnership with the First Lady of the Gabonese Republic, H.E. Madam Zita Oligui Nguema, who has also been designated as the Ambassador of the “Merck Foundation More Than a Mother” campaign.
The high-level gathering at the State House in Gabon was chaired by Madam Zita Oligui Nguema alongside Professor Dr. Frank Stangenberg-Haverkamp, Chairman of the Merck Foundation Board of Trustees, and Senator Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of the foundation and President of the “More Than a Mother” campaign. Initiated to create lasting societal impact, the partnership focuses on transforming patient care, building healthcare capacity, breaking the stigma of infertility, empowering women, and supporting girl education across Gabon and the broader African continent.
Healthcare Capacity Building and Scholarships
A central pillar of the long-term collaboration is the expansion of specialized medical training for local professionals. Since the partnership began in 2024, the merck foundation has provided 16 critical scholarships for Gabonese healthcare providers to train in underserved medical specialties:
- Fertility and Embryology: 4 hands-on practical training scholarships in India, successfully training the country’s first-ever local embryologist.
- Diabetes and Hypertension: 4 scholarships, including a specialized 3-month French-language mastercourse and clinical fellowships designed to establish dedicated hospital clinics.
- Oncology Nursing: 8 scholarships dedicated to advancing critical cancer care capabilities.
Globally, the merck foundation has extended more than 2,600 scholarships to medical professionals across 52 countries in 44 critical health disciplines.
Beyond healthcare, the collaboration directly supports vulnerable youth through the “Educating Linda” program, providing annual scholarships for 40 high-performing yet underprivileged schoolgirls through their graduation. To reinforce positive social messaging, the partnership has also released seven children’s storybooks addressing health and social issues, alongside online health media training for local journalists.
Additionally, the merck foundation has opened submissions for its 2026 annual awards spanning media, film, fashion, and music, encouraging African creatives to raise awareness around infertility stigma, women’s empowerment, and the prevention of lifestyle diseases such as diabetes and hypertension.
For more updates on regional health partnerships, philanthropic initiatives, and development insights, stay connected with Afrikeye and explore travel itineraries at Afrikeye Travel.
